If Socialism is so bad...then why is most of Europe Socialist?

Question

The EU is the future.

Yes I lived in England for 2 years, at RAF Alconbury. 1991-1993. Nice place.

Answer 1

That's a circular argument if I ever heard one.

Answer 2

Most of Europe also practiced some form of feudalism and religious genocide...If you don't judge those to be "bad" then you could at least recognize them as "impractical" and "anachronistic."

In general:
High taxes, poor work ethic, inferior (in relationship to the U.S.) medical, dental, psychological care, low domestic production, high racial tension and bureaucratic overload.

Specifically:
France: Economy hanging on the verge of bankruptcy.

England: Doesn't want to be part of the EU because the last thing it's got going for it is the strength of the Pound. Other than that, its industrial base is pretty much gone.

Germany: Rising population and declining industry has put great strains on the socialist system. As is customary, immigrants and minorities are blamed and tensions are brewing.

Sweeden, Norway, the Netherlands: Life is good and socialism is working. But these nations also have high wealth-to-population ratios, a homogeneous culture and highly restrictive immigration policies....They also require mandatory national service, which wouldn't set to well here.

Answer 3

Europe is a mixture of socialism and capitalism in varying amounts in every country. It is not the only way, different countries at differnet stages of political, social and economic development will use different systems that best suits their present or future situation.

There does seem to be an awful lot of myths about the economic systems of European countries over there in the US. Germany's woes come from reunification which will still take a few more years to sort out but they are once again becoming the powerhouse it once was. France's woes come from a stubborn older generation not letting go and over zealous unions,(by the way according to the Economist the US has a higher percentage of unionised work force than France, the French are just more vocal), the French are as productive as Americans sometimes even more so.

The American capitalist model only works for the US because of the shear size of your country and your stage of development.

I fail to see the EU falling apart as we speak. I think we'd notice if that happened, but according to the OECD Euro area growth was 2.6% for 2006 and unemployment is down with France at 8.7%(down from 9.9% a year ago) and to 7.4% in Germany. All figures come from the OECD.

Answer 4

Unemployment rates in the double digits, GDP lowest of industrialized nations, nanny state that takes over half of what you earn and redistributes it as it sees fit, unionized labor that cripples industry, forcing 36 hour work weeks and 7 weeks of paid vacation per year. Christ, why not move there then commie? Plus, all your bullsh*t has no constitutional basis, and is so un-American, it makes me wonder where your loyalties lie. Actually, I'm pretty sure already, with the mullet and quasi-religious B.S. on your 360. Why not hit up Cuba? Your muderous, adulterous, rich kid hero laid the foundation for the glory that is the Castro administration. You talk a big game on socialism, yet don't follow through. Your Utopia's exist worldwide, yet you spend all your time on here in the U.S., limp-wristing you're freedom hating beliefs into the forum and looking for validation. Pull your head out of your a*s and put it in a history book, you will soon find the country doesn't have the roots for your dream government, red.

Answer 5

The answer is actually quite simple...sort of. Mankind is motivated by "getting ahead", by having something to leave to their children that they worked hard for (personal pride). Socialism does not allow for this since most everything is owned or controlled by the "state". The moderate form of Socialism attempts to blend both socialism and capitalism to the extent that it closes the gap between poverty and excess...especially where some may be taken advantage of. Europe is very careful not to tread on personal inspiration by imposing too many controls. One only need to take a look at the government programs in Germany and France to note that the system is not perfect. But then again, no system is. I do not believe that any European country is going to become any more socialist than they are now since in order to fund social programs you need to be able to collect revenue and at some point those who are constantly taxed are going to revolt.

Answer 6

All countries are socialised to a point. Even the biggest capitalist in the world (The US) is as well. "Welfare, social security, food stamps, etc.)

US News had an article about 30 things the rest of the world does better than the US. The US would be wise to take some of those lessons to heart. However, I go to Europe quite often and some of those countries still have major problems. Socialism is not the panacea for all of our ills. However, I think lessons can be learned and picked apart for our country's benefit.

Answer 7

None of the noisy cons have been to the next county - much less Europe. They only believe what Rush or one of the other hate radio retards tells them. To say capitalism mixed with some socialism (which is what Europe mostly is) never works just screams the ignorance of the speaker.

* Rush is an irresponsible moron, and I don't report people. Next time stick to the question. Socialism - Europe.

Answer 8

I'm not sure if socialism is it, but something has to change. The system we use now has become too filled with lobbyists and under the table funds. This war in Iraq should be the example of corporations gone wild.

Answer 9

So take a look at the EU's abysmal economic growth, high unemployment, and general malaise. That's why liberalism is so bad. The governments are running out of cash to pay their entitlements because of such a top heavy burden it's promised to it's citizens.

Answer 10

If the American imperialist don't ruin it for us yes.They want free trade.Hormones in beef for example.The EU has to watch very carefully that America doesn't destroy a great opportunity.
I live in Belgium and can go to the grocery store till nine in the evening.After that there is the night shop!.Where do these people get this?And I live in a small village

Answer 11

In your case, I think North Korea is the future.
Socialism will turn Europe into a Third World Nation in 20 years.
Watch and see.
No country can survive Socialism.
Anyone remember the Soviet Union?
That's who you are copying!!!!
Uncle Joe Stalin is proud of you.